Research Study Manual

Planning and Conducting a Research Study

Department of Educational Leadership

and Human Development

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

University of Central Missouri

WARRENSBURG, MISSOURI

SPRING 2003

REVISED 2007

Revised 2008

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 1

Purpose of the Research Study 1

What is a Research Study 1

Graduate Student Responsibility 1

Academic Honesty and Plagiarism 1

RESEARCH STUDY 2

Research Committee 2

Assistance with the Research Study 2

Research Involving Human Subjects 3

Timeline for Completing the Research Study 4

STEPS in the PROCESS 6

Step 1. Identification of Topic 6

Step 2. Initial Review of Literature 8

Step 3. Development of a Prospectus 9

Step 4. Approval of Prospectus 9

Step 5. Submission of Human Subjects Form 9

Step 6. Additional Review of Literature or Research 10

Step 7. Data Collection and Analysis 11

Step 8. Writing 11

Step 9. Defense of Research Study 11

Step 10. Submission to Graduate School 12

ORGANIZING and COMPLETING the RESEARCH STUDY 14

Print and Paper 14

Style and Format 14

Consistency of Formatting 14

Use of Boldface, Underlining, and Italics 15

Margins, Spacing, and Justification 15

Widows and Orphans 15

Preliminary Pages 15

Chapters and Subheadings 15

Tables and Figures 15

Appendices 16

Order of Pages 16

Page Numbers 17

COMPLETING the SECTIONS of the RESEARCH STUDY 18

Abstract 18

Chapter One: Introduction 18

Chapter Two: Review of Literature 21

Chapter Three: Methodology 23

Chapter Three (or Four) Results 24

Chapter Four (or Five) Discussion 24

References 25

APPENDICES 26

EXAMPLES OF PROPERLY FORMATTED PAGES

Pages are not numbered as per Appendices requirement as these are to serves as “how to” examples:

RESEARCH STUDY PROSPECTUS FORM

RESEARCH STUDY PROSPECTUS APPROVAL PAGE

ABSTRACT TITLE PAGE

ABSTRACT EXAMPLE

RESEARCH STUDY TITLE PAGE

TITLE PAGE EXAMPLE

RESEARCH STUDY APPROVAL PAGE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS PAGE

HOW TO FORMAT TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS EXAMPLE

HOW TO FORMAT LIST OF TABLES

LIST OF TABLES EXAMPLE

HOW TO FORMAT LIST OF FIGURES

LIST OF FIGURES EXAMPLE

HOW TO FORMAT CHAPTER HEADINGS

CHAPTER HEADING FORMATING EXAMPLE

EXAMPLE OF REFERENCES

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INTRODUCTION

Purpose of the Research Study

Research is an essential part of graduate education. All graduate students should become knowledgeable about research in their particular fields of study and should engage in the process of conducting, analyzing, interpreting, and reporting their own personal research. The fulfillment of the research study is a distinct advantage to students who plan to do additional graduate study as well as for those who plan to work in certain fields of employment. The completion of a research study is a requirement for students completing an Educational Specialist Degree at the University of Central Missouri (UCM).

What is a Research Study?

Graduate students completing an Educational Specialist Degree must fulfill a research component as part of the approved program. In the Department of Educational Leadership and Human Development this is referred to as a Research Study, while in other departments it may be referred to as a thesis.

A research study is the result of research, scholarly, or creative activity that provides evidence of independent, critical, and creative investigation. The ability to define and develop a problem; understand and synthesize relevant literature; use appropriate methodology; analyze and interpret data; draw reasonable conclusions and recommend further investigation based on the investigation is demonstrated through the process of completing and defending the research study.

Graduate Student Responsibility

Admission to graduate studies and graduate programs at Central and the pursuit of a graduate degree presume a degree of initiative on the part of the graduate student. Graduate students assume responsibility for engaging in intellectual activities at the graduate level as well as responsibility for complying with all policies and procedures set forth in the Graduate Catalog, in the Research Study Manual, and in college and departmental regulations. It is the responsibility of the student to adhere to these policies and procedures. Requirements will not be waived, and exceptions will not be granted because of ignorance of policies, requirements, or procedures for graduate study at Central.

Academic Honesty and Plagiarism

Academic honesty is a prerequisite for academic achievement. All members of the academic community are expected to act in accordance with this principle. The University recognizes plagiarism as a serious academic offense. See the Student Calendar/Handbook for details on academic dishonesty.

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RESEARCH STUDY

Research Committee

Upon acceptance to the graduate program, a student is assigned a graduate advisor and a minimum of two additional faculty members are appointed to serve on the student’s graduate committee. The graduate advisor will serve as the advisor and chair of the research study. The advisor must be a full-time faculty member of the department, possess an earned doctorate or recognized terminal degree in the professional field and have been approved to teach graduate-level courses.

Course Requirement and Credit

The Research Problems course, EDAD 6960, is a required three-hour course, designed to provide the student with an understanding of research and the application of such in recognizing and solving contemporary problems in public education.

EDAD 6960, Research Problems, is an approach to research writing designed to assist the student in recognizing a problem, researching a problem, analyzing data, and reporting the findings. A proposal or prospectus for a study will be developed and approved by the advisor and instructor during the semester in which the class is taken.

Following the approval of a stated problem in the written prospectus by the graduate advisor and the instructor of the Research Problem course, the student enters into a search of data pertinent to addressing the stated problem. The student will be directed in research techniques and will proceed with problem investigation after receiving approval from the Human Subjects Committee. The student must satisfactorily defend the completed research study before the graduate committee.

The grade for EDAD 6960, Research Problems, will be assigned following the completion of the research project, satisfactory defense before the student’s graduate committee, final approval by the graduate committee, and submission of a bindery receipt. Final grades will be assigned based upon successful classroom progress and the quality of the completed research project. Students are expected to finish the research study during the semester enrolled in Research Problems or the subsequent semester. Students who do not meet this requirement must reenroll in the Research Problems class.

Students not completing the research during the semester the class is taken will receive a “U” grade. “U” grades must be removed before the degree can be completed. Upon the successful completion and defense of the research study, the graduate advisor and the instructor of the research problems class will change the grade from “U” to satisfactory completion.

Assistance with the Research Study

The following are opportunities for students seeking assistance with writing the research study:

1. The graduate advisor/committee chair and other committee members serve as resources. Students should be in frequent contact with their advisors. Typically,

numerous drafts are needed. Students need to provide the advisor and committee members with sufficient time to read the work and provide feedback. It is important for students to be open-minded about accepting constructive criticism. The goal is to complete an excellent research study which demonstrates the ability to define and develop a problem; understand and synthesize relevant literature; use appropriate methodology; analyze and interpret data; draw reasonable conclusions and recommend further investigation based on the research findings.

2. The Writing Center can serve as a resource. The staff at the Writing Center will not write the research study, but can provide assistance in learning how to write more effectively and to produce a research study that is formatted correctly.

3. The Library staff can provide assistance in locating relevant resources. Items may also be ordered through Inter-Library Loan.

4. Other individuals may be available to assist with specific needs in areas such as research design and statistical treatment.

Resource

Contact Information

Graduate School
Ward Edwards 1800 / (660) 543-4621
www.ucmo.edu/graduate
Library Reference Desk
JCKL 2175 / (660) 543-4154
library.edu/graduate
Office of Sponsored Research & Projects; Ward Edwards 1800 / (660) 543-4264
www.ucmo.edu/research
Writing Center
Humphreys 116 / (660) 543-4367
www.ucmo.edu/writingcenter

Research Involving Human Subjects

Federal law requires that the Human Subjects Review Committee must approve, in advance, all research involving human subjects, regardless of the source of funding. In order to comply with governmental directives, the appropriate human subjects form must be completed and submitted to the Human Subjects Review Committee. Forms and instructions can be downloaded from the Office of Sponsored Research and Projects website (http://www.ucmo.edu.graduate.hs.cfm ). The University Human Subjects Review Committee meets bi-monthly. Approval must be requested well in advance of the anticipated beginning date of the research.

After completing the appropriate human subjects forms, the forms must be submitted to the student’s graduate advisor prior to submission to the Human Subjects Review Committee. A copy of a properly signed and approved “Human Subjects Review Form” must be filed in the Human Subjects Review Committee before the research can go forward. Also, a copy of the approved form must be submitted with the final research study to The Graduate School. Failure to follow the Human Subjects Review procedure will result in rejection of the research study by The Graduate School and confiscation of any data collected.

Copyright Issues

Students are expected to follow all university policies and professional protocol regarding copyright issues. Questions regarding this should be directed to the chair of the research study.

Timeline for Completing the Research Study

Completing a research study is a time-consuming process. A research study cannot be rushed through at the last minute. This is a process that often involves several drafts with input and assistance by the instructor of the Research Problems class and the advisor/chair of the research study. Care must be taken to follow guidelines for style and format (UCM Thesis Manual, EDAD Departmental Research Study Manual, APA guidelines). The student will need to allow time for review by the Research Committee. The suggested timeline on the following page can be used to plan the work on the research study and to avoid a delay in graduation.

The student will need to project the date for the anticipated graduation. This will allow the work plan to be tailored to the individual’s time sequence. Chunking the project will assist the student to stay organized and keep on target with the tasks. It is helpful for the student and professor(s) to approve each chapter as it is completed. While a chapter is being read and reviewed by the advisor, the student can be drafting the next chapter.

Continue to meet, both on a formal and informal appointment/email basis, with the faculty advisor/chair of the Research Study Committee. It is important to remember that the professors have professional and personal commitments. It is also important to reemphasize completing a research study is a time-consuming process and cannot be rushed through at the last minute. Students should continue to confirm their timelines and monitor progress on completed tasks.

Suggested Timeline for Completing the Research Study

TASK

/ SUGGESTED COMPLETION
DATE /

NOTES

Enroll in EDAD 6960
Research Problems / Semester 1 / Discuss with Advisor & Instructor for the course; check departmental requirements
Selection of Topic / Semester 1 / Discuss with Advisor & Instructor
Begin initial review of the literature; Define problem / Semester 1 / Work with Advisor & Instructor for the course
Draft Prospectus for Research Study / Semester 1 / Work with Advisor & Instructor for the course throughout this process;
Typically requires numerous drafts
Approval of Prospectus;
this will become CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION / Semester 1 / Continue to work with Advisor & Instructor for the course; Work with the Writing Center; Typically requires numerous drafts prior to securing approval signatures
Submit forms for Human Subjects Approval / Semester 1 / Obtain forms from Office of Sponsored Research or via website. Must be completed and filed before data collection can begin.
Draft CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE / Semester 1 / Continue to work with Advisor & Instructor throughout the Research Study; requires time for reading and providing feedback, requires numerous drafts; Continue to work with the Writing Center
Draft CHAPTER THREE METHODOLOGY
(as appropriate to the study) / Semester 1 / Continue to Work with Advisor & Instructor
Upon receiving approval from Human Subjects Committee, Begin collection of data / Semester 2 / Notify Advisor & Instructor; Begin collection of data as per design of study
Analyze and evaluate data;
Draft CHAPTER FOUR RESULTS / Semester 2 / Continue to Work with Advisor & Instructor
Draft CHAPTER FIVE DISCUSSION / Semester 2 / Continue to Work with Advisor & Instructor
Complete Research Study Manuscript; Copies to Research Study Committee for review / Semester 2 / Continue to Work with Advisor & Instructor; Distribute copies to all committee members; Typically requires revisions
Schedule Research Study Defense / Semester 2 / Allow ample time for committee members to read the research study
Research Study Defense / Semester 2 / Review Research Study manuscript
Approval by Research Study Committee / Semester 2 / Revisions may be required
Submit Manuscript to Graduate School / Semester 2 / Deadline is three weeks before last day of classes
Submit Copies of Research Study to Graduate School / Semester 2 / Graduate School assigns a bindery number
Bindery Receipt Number Received by Graduate School / Semester 2 / Deadline is the last day of classes for the semester

STEPS in the PROCESS

EDAD 6960 Research Problems

Following the first regularly scheduled class meeting, each student will seek advisor input and approval and complete the various tasks involved in developing a prospectus. The Committee Chairperson/Graduate Faculty Advisor and the class instructor will be involved outside class time for consultation, as needed. Students are expected to exhibit scholarly writing and to edit their own work prior to submission to the instructor of the research problems class and/or the academic advisor/chair of the research study.